18:37 20-03-2026

BMW leads in real-world EV range tests, surpassing EPA ratings

Consumer Reports conducted extensive testing, comparing the real-world range of nearly 30 electric vehicles against their official EPA ratings. The tests were performed on highways at 70 miles per hour, under conditions that closely mimic actual U.S. road usage.

BMW unexpectedly emerged as the leader. On average, the brand's EVs delivered 18–19% more range than advertised. For instance, the i4 traveled 51 miles beyond its rated range, while the i5 exceeded its rating by 45 miles.

Mercedes-Benz and Mini also performed well, showing around a 12% improvement over their claimed figures. Overall, German brands proved to be the most accurate—and even generous—in their estimates.

Korean manufacturers achieved near-perfect alignment with their official specs. In contrast, American brands were less consistent: Tesla generally matched its claims, though some models fell short, while Rivian, Lucid, and Ford showed noticeable deficits.

Experts point out that EPA ratings account for mixed driving cycles, so many cars inevitably deliver less range on highways. However, exceeding the advertised numbers is a rare and telling achievement.

In practice, the test reveals a significant industry shift: automakers are taking varied approaches to stating their specs. Some build in a "trust margin" by citing conservative figures, while others aim to appear more competitive on paper. For buyers, this means the absolute range number matters less than the brand's reputation for accuracy—a factor that increasingly shapes real-world perceptions of the vehicle.